Geneva, Switzerland: Digitalisation of the TIR Convention, the so-called E-TIR, is set for 25 May.
None of the 76 Contracting Parties to the Convention have objected to the digitisation proposals adopted last year making the E-TIR a reality and opening new applications for the TIR system, in particular for intermodal transport.
Already, 48 contracting parties, including the EU, have expressed interest in connecting their national customs systems with the E-TIR international system. “I invite all contracting parties to the TIR Convention to start implementing the interconnection of their national customs systems with the eTIR international system as soon as possible, to make the most of its enhanced efficiency and security” Olga Algayerova, executive secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, said.
“This key milestone shows widespread support for transport digitalisation. IRU and our members will continue working with governments to fully implement eTIR in order to further smooth border crossings, reduce transport times, boost trade and increase security, especially now during the pandemic,” said Umberto de Pretto, IRU secretary general.
The TIR system, used by over 34,000 transport and logistic companies already reduces cross-border transport time by up to 80%, and costs by up to 38%. E-TIR will secure the TIR system for all customs administrations and transporters using it. In addition, it will make the TIR system more competitive and efficient, since all customs authorities involved in an eTIR transport along a given itinerary (customs en route and destination) will be informed in advance, electronically and in a matter of seconds, through the dispatch of so-called advance TIR data by a TIR transporter, about an upcoming TIR declaration.
The E-TIR international system (customs to customs) aims at ensuring the secure exchange of data between national customs systems about the international transit of goods, vehicles or containers according to the provisions of the TIR Convention and to allow customs to manage the data on guarantees, issued by guarantee chains to holders authorised to use the TIR system. These benefits have been demonstrated in the eTIR pilot projects run since 2017.
Furthermore, as countries recover from the COVID 19 pandemic, the implementation of eTIR will ensure that borders will remain open without spreading the virus, by keeping drivers and customs officers safe and healthy, since it provides seamless, paperless and, therefore, contactless border crossing operations.
